I have taken non-calc physics and there are some topics in my Physics textbook(Giancoli) that are optional and the instructor skips them as well (for instance Relational Velocity in the Kinematics chapter, Kepler's laws section in the Circular motion chapter) etc. Question is - how do I find out if these are to be studied for the MCAT or if they are truly optional ?

go to any good book store and leaf thru a MCAT Prep book ... you'll see all of the topics covered on the MCAT! GOod Luck to you

You can also go to your local public library. A lot of them have previous year Kaplan and Princeton Review prep books on their shelves. Might be good for your MCAT studying too.

I am studying for the MCAT and I have yet to see relational velocity and Kepler's law spelled out as a must know topic. But please double check for yourself. Sometimes topics are given different titles/level of importance :twocents:

Just FYI, when you do get a MCAT prep book, and it tells you X and Y won't be on the MCAT--well study X and Y because they will still show up! This happened to me when I took the MCAT.

Right! There is NO such thing as it won't be on the MCAT!!!!

No advice for you, but I just had to add that my physics prof skipped the whole MOMENTUM chapter! And fluids!